BY JOE BALOG
In Florida, many activities have an outdoor model. We eat outside, meet outside, and often shop outside. The same applies to art.
Stuffy galleries come to mind when most people envision artwork. Here in West Volusia, though, art is all around us. DeLand is the hub, bringing many works outdoors and allowing admirers a unique springtime activity.
There are a half-dozen outdoor art attractions throughout DeLand, all of which allow for interaction and promote a good stretch of the legs. A historical timeline of this thriving scene allows us to learn more about them all.
In the 1990s, the City of DeLand was interested in bringing more people, and their wallets, to the Downtown merchant areas.
Remember, this was before the top-tier dining and unique shopping opportunities we have now.
A cooperative mural project was created to showcase the area’s art talents through historical themes. Today, we see these large projects across many of our Downtown buildings.
There’s the World War II naval scene, Florida’s pioneer settlers, the walk-along mural at Painter’s Pond and more, giving a hometown feel to the business district.
A Conversation Over Chess has always been my favorite, capping off 15 pieces included in the project. A brochure available in print and online gives an excellent description of each mural on your self-guided tour.
Shortly after, a Sculpture Walk was created through a collaborative effort between the Museum of Art – DeLand and the city, funded through private donations. Ray Johnson, Judy Thompson and John Wilton — three names that appear everywhere area art is referenced — coordinated the project, bringing artists from across the eastern U.S. to build a dozen pieces in DeLand.
The Sculpture Walk is a rotating exhibit, with the artwork changing out every couple of years. Today, after several rotations, 20 or so additional sculptures have found a permanent home in our area. A tour allows up-close and personal views, even with the ability to touch and snap a selfie. You’ve likely walked by a few of these unique items and wondered where they came from.
When the COVID pandemic restricted the ability to change out the sculptures, Wilton, a local artist, answered with nine butterfly creations across the city. These towering pieces are unique in their ability to capture and reflect light below them, making for a lovely reproduction. They’re constant reminders of DeLand’s designation as Florida’s first Monarch City USA. Viewing all nine requires covering more ground than the other collections, making for a great bicycle tour.
The Utility Box Art Wrap Project brought art to a medium never considered by most, especially government employees. Here, art advocates were forced to get permission for the use of their canvas, so to speak. The boxes rest on city property, are maintained by the county and owned by the state, requiring approval from the FDOT in Tallahassee. I imagine this created a few confusing conversations.
In the end, we have boxes around town that are sure to get your attention, offering a walk of their own. A dozen reside in a seven-block area of Woodland Boulevard, featuring subject matter from abstract to photographic. The boxes make for a quick and easy tour. A personal favorite features the historical postcards we also see at a few vendors — vintage DeLand.
Today, the Arts, Culture and Entertainment District (ACED) serves as a coalition between the City of DeLand and the local art community. ACED has added a contemporary Arts District mural walk, which includes educational and memorial subject matter, as well as the famous DeLand Wings. Look for eight pieces on this tour, with information available at ArtsDistrictDeLand.com, or on a directory board in front of Chess Park.
The same group heads up the Adirondack Chair project, featuring perky designs seen at a number of local parks, and the tree-wrap project. Here, a group known as “The Masked Wrappers” were somehow able to dress palm trees in yarn art as much as 20 feet off the ground. Be sure to look up as you stroll around Downtown.
Finally, the Downtown Miniature Art Adventure is uniquely DeLand. Twenty small paintings exist in places often overlooked, yet right in front of us. All bring a smile to the face of those lucky enough to find them.
Created by Volusia and Lake county artists, there’s an elegant angel, a racing fireman and a portrait of Lue Gim Gong, for starters. You’ll need to hunt for these; it’s all part of the “adventure” theme. Again, info is available at the ACED sites.
I mentioned there were six art projects, and I see I included eight. I’ve heard more are on the way. That goes to show how quickly things change around DeLand, this time for the good.
The thriving art scene continues to bring visitors and make our area a better place to live. DeLand’s appeal lies in its uniqueness, something we see too little of in today’s world of cookie-cutter subdivisions and chain restaurants. The art community helps preserve and promote the culture that makes DeLand an award-winning Downtown.
Art walks provide a unique twist to our experience of the Volusia outdoors. Pamphlets to guide you are available at the West Volusia Visitors Center, the Museum of Art – DeLand, online and through a QR code on the ACED directory board. The material will keep you and the kids busy for most of a day. Grab an ice cream while you walk, and I’ll see you out there.
